Avionics Test Engineer, Optical Seen this week

K2 Space · Los Angeles, CA · Electronics · first seen 2026-07-16

The Role

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown. You will be pivotal in developing production test hardware and software to deliver optical avionics through ATP and QTP. Working alongside the Optical team, you will interface with ambitious optical payloads, validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet critical programmatic milestones such as delivery of flight hardware to vehicle integration. In your first year, you will lead multidisciplinary test campaigns, root cause investigations, and production improvements to ensure reliability and scalability.

Responsibilities

Design and fabricate test hardware, harnessing, and test systems to support optical payload development testing
Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Python, Rust, C++ for Linux platforms
Execute development and production tests to meet internal and external customer needs
Develop data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems to test at the integrated level
Own the project management of multiple test assets and acceptance testing of optical avionics including upgrades to support hardware lifecycle
Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds
Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods, and project test schedules
Design and build optical tables with automated active alignment for high-rate optical testing

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
2+ years of experience with test hardware design and software scripting
Strong programming abilities (Python, C++, or Rust)
Experience designing, building, and testing electrical assemblies and test fixtures

Nice to Have

Experience with design and testing of optical systems
Experience with camera automation and quantitative image processing (e.g. beam profiling), power meters, and laser interlocks
Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment
Familiarity with SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 testing methods, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing
Understanding of the failure modes of electrical and optical systems in space environments
Demonstrated ability to own electrical or optical hardware test systems within an integrated engineering team
Creative problem solver that can balance schedule, resource, and technical constraints

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range: $100,000 - $150,000 + equity
Salary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience level
Comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, and paid parental leave

Export Compliance

This role requires access to information controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR. You must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual such as refugee or asylee) or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.